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Thread: Any DS Owners?
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September 13, 2014, 09:24 AM #1
Any DS Owners?
I have to say; I've always been curious about the 2 DS amps. I liked the 300.2 well enough; and by all the things I've read...the DS is a BIG step forward.
Saw a deal, on a 450...and took it! More power than I needed really; but I ain't complaining
What a beast! It absolutely dwarfs my Oppo DAC
Now I need an ARC pre-amp. The Oppo is actually not bad; but the FACT 3/DS-450 combo...is wayyy too revealing, to let this slide.
Any other DS owners in the tank?CD
DAC/Pre-amp - PSAudio DsJ > Power-amp - > Speakers - PMC TwentyFive 23s
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September 13, 2014, 10:45 PM #2
Re: Any DS Owners?
I had a DS-450. A terrific value. Mates very well with the ARC LS-27 or, even better, the Ref 5SE. I had both pres.
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Mike
Amplification: MBL 6010D, MBL 9008A Monos
Analog: Kuzma R, Kuzma 4Point (11”), MSL Ultra Eminent EX
Phono Pre: Pass XP-27
Digital: Esoteric N01XD Esoteric K05
Speakers: MBL 101E MKII
Subwoofers: REL Carbon Specials
Conditioner: Shunyata Triton 3
Power Cables: Shunyata Sigma 1 & 2, Alpha 2, Delta and Venom
ICs and SCs: Wireworld Platinum 8
Rack: Artesania Exoteryc
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September 14, 2014, 09:51 PM #3
Re: Any DS Owners?
Hell Mike; I'd be happy to find a 26 right about now. Just not sure I can swing it...don't see one; and I know I can't swing a 27 just yet.
I see a 16 mkII, and a 25 mkI. Of course, I guess it's a classic conundrum...for ARC fans: newer-gen "1", or older gen "2"?
In this case in particular...normally, the reputation the 6H30-based 16 mkII; the fact that it's a pretty linear, solid-state kinda tube...wouldn't put me off. But with the DS-450 being a switching unit and all; I'm wondering if the 25 mkI...which I believe, is the last of the 6922-based circuits...isn't the way to go?
Certainly gives you more options to roll. Then again...I could just buy my bud's PrimaLuna Prologue Premium; and wait for the "right" 26 or 27 to come along. It's a solid plan; the only thing that gives me pause, is I've read the DS-450 really sings...run balanced. The PL is single-ended only.
Ringing my hands sharks; help!CD
DAC/Pre-amp - PSAudio DsJ > Power-amp - > Speakers - PMC TwentyFive 23s
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September 14, 2014, 09:57 PM #4
Re: Any DS Owners?
If you can swing the LS-25 Mk I, I think that would the way to go. The last of the non-reference pres with the 6922 tube as you say, so will give you a little bit more (not much) of the older ARC sound which was somewhat less neutral than their pres in the modern line up (which started with the LS-26 and Ref 3 with the 6H30 tube). As you say, way more options to tube roll and customize the sound to your prefs
Good luck.Cyril
Speakers/Amp/Preamp: Thiel CS2.4 / ARC Ref 110 / ARC Ref 3
Sources: Basis 2001/Graham2.2/Nagra BPS/Benz Micro Glider SL, Dynavector 20X2-L, ARC CD7, Oppo BDP-83 SE
Cables/Power/Other: Nordost Heimdall ICs, SCs / Shunyata Hydra 8, Shunyata Python Helix PC / VPI 16.5, HRS Nimbus isolation system
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September 15, 2014, 12:26 AM #5
Re: Any DS Owners?
What about this little gem ?
Caribbean Distributor of
ARC / Sonus Faber / Wadia / Wilson / VAC / Soulution / Nordost / Shunyata / Stillpoints
Kuzma / Focal / Resonessence Labs / ARIA / KRELL / Pro-Ject...
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September 15, 2014, 01:15 PM #6
Re: Any DS Owners?
Thanks for the feedback Cyril. Let me try and extrapolate though: if the idea is to move up the ARC ladder...26, 27, Ref; aren't I going to get to a 6H30 tube sooner or later? Or are you saying...LS-25 mkI, might be the way to go over ALL of them?
I'm assuming since you have a Ref 3 yourself, you can't be advocating that But maybe the linear 6H30 tube is OK with ARC tube amps; but for the switching DS-450, a little more old-school warmth?
Just curious.CD
DAC/Pre-amp - PSAudio DsJ > Power-amp - > Speakers - PMC TwentyFive 23s
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September 15, 2014, 01:16 PM #7
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September 15, 2014, 06:35 PM #8
Re: Any DS Owners?
Keep in mind I have not heard the DS series amps but going off reviews/commentary I have read and Mike's (Ritmo's) descriptions of it, I am guessing a little more romance and customizability with the tube rolling options of the 6922 might stand you in better stead than the quite neutral LS-26/27 pres in combination with the DS amp. As for the Ref 3/5/5SE, I think if you can swing upgrading to one of these, I would do that no matter what as I think you get more of everything with whatever ARC amp they are pared with (more resolution, more 3 dimensionality, better imaging/staging, and better dynamics). You will lose a bit of transparency and resolution with the LS-25 Mk I as compared to the LS-26 and certainly the LS-27 but I am postulating it might be a more pleasing match. Obviously if you can demo the pres before you buy that would be the best way to choose and I am only 1 opinion of many .
Good luck and let us know what you decideCyril
Speakers/Amp/Preamp: Thiel CS2.4 / ARC Ref 110 / ARC Ref 3
Sources: Basis 2001/Graham2.2/Nagra BPS/Benz Micro Glider SL, Dynavector 20X2-L, ARC CD7, Oppo BDP-83 SE
Cables/Power/Other: Nordost Heimdall ICs, SCs / Shunyata Hydra 8, Shunyata Python Helix PC / VPI 16.5, HRS Nimbus isolation system
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September 15, 2014, 06:55 PM #9
Re: Any DS Owners?
Well...a new contender popped-up today; a 15. Initially...even though the price was certainly right; I was like "I can do better than that".
But a quick Google of opinions, and it seems ARC guys give it pretty good marks. One guy...who had owned a 16 and 25; even said he preferred the 15.
Obviously...MMMV; but beggars can't be choosers, in this caseCD
DAC/Pre-amp - PSAudio DsJ > Power-amp - > Speakers - PMC TwentyFive 23s
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September 20, 2014, 10:44 AM #10
Re: Any DS Owners?
Well Sharks...the 15 is in place, and I have to say; for the price...I couldn't be happier. You know...I'm a guy that likes an "updated" look, as much as anyone. But one of the things that strikes me...about this nearly 20 year-old model; is that it doesn't look outdated! I guess that's the one advantage...of ARC never changing their design.
But enough about the looks, right? It sounds delightful. I've had a few tube pre-amps; 3 C-Js, a VTL, a Belles, a PL...an SP16L. Hard for me to find just the right balance, between good tube weight...without being overly rich and ripe for my tastes. The VTL 2.5 was my previous fav; and I have to say, the 15 comes pretty close.
Makes me really wonder, if a move up the ladder...and to a 6H30-based circuit; is the right move...especially with the somewhat lean DS-450. As opposed to...a more-linear 6H30 pre-amp, with a Ref 75; is likely heaven.
Of course...like a typical 'phile; as soon as I find something I like...it makes me want "better", lol
But I think I definitely want to stay 6922-based for now; so I think that just leaves me a 16 and a 25 mkI. I know the vote before, was for a 25 mkI...and I've got my eyes peeled. In the opinion of the group...would the 16 really offer any perceivable upgrade?
Lastly...what about tweaks? 6922s that Sharks like (it came with JAN Philips, and I'm leaning GL or Siemens A-frames for rolling)? Anyone played around with caps?CD
DAC/Pre-amp - PSAudio DsJ > Power-amp - > Speakers - PMC TwentyFive 23s
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September 20, 2014, 01:25 PM #11
Re: Any DS Owners?
Congrats CD! Glad you are pleased.
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Mike
Amplification: MBL 6010D, MBL 9008A Monos
Analog: Kuzma R, Kuzma 4Point (11”), MSL Ultra Eminent EX
Phono Pre: Pass XP-27
Digital: Esoteric N01XD Esoteric K05
Speakers: MBL 101E MKII
Subwoofers: REL Carbon Specials
Conditioner: Shunyata Triton 3
Power Cables: Shunyata Sigma 1 & 2, Alpha 2, Delta and Venom
ICs and SCs: Wireworld Platinum 8
Rack: Artesania Exoteryc
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September 20, 2014, 04:33 PM #12
Re: Any DS Owners?
ARCLIFE !!!!
CongratsCaribbean Distributor of
ARC / Sonus Faber / Wadia / Wilson / VAC / Soulution / Nordost / Shunyata / Stillpoints
Kuzma / Focal / Resonessence Labs / ARIA / KRELL / Pro-Ject...
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September 20, 2014, 09:01 PM #13
Re: Any DS Owners?
Congrats CD
Cyril
Speakers/Amp/Preamp: Thiel CS2.4 / ARC Ref 110 / ARC Ref 3
Sources: Basis 2001/Graham2.2/Nagra BPS/Benz Micro Glider SL, Dynavector 20X2-L, ARC CD7, Oppo BDP-83 SE
Cables/Power/Other: Nordost Heimdall ICs, SCs / Shunyata Hydra 8, Shunyata Python Helix PC / VPI 16.5, HRS Nimbus isolation system
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September 20, 2014, 10:46 PM #14
Re: Any DS Owners?
Nice Chris! As a long time owner of the SP-11 until recently, those older ARC top tier preamps are no slouches. The SP-11 (and I'd imagine the SP-15 as well) seem to certainly hold their own with many modern offerings IMO.
I personally rolled EH Gold pin 6922, ARC branded German (Siemens?) and the factory issued Sovtek in the SP-11. All were fantastic but I preferred the ARC branded German tubes purchased from a fellow on Agon that had a slug of ARC factory tubes a few years back.Avanti Audio
arc sp-11 or ls27 | arc d130 | vpi classic 2 w/periphery ring w/Si3N4 bearing & sapphire thrust plate & 2x jmw 10.5i | phoenix engineering eagle & road runner | ortofon cadenza bronze, miyajima zero mono | sentec eq11 w/ Sylvania 5751 TMBP & CBS 7318 | auditorium a23 | canton ref 9 dc | 2x m&k v125 | oppo bdp-95 | chord qutest | lumin d1 & sbooster | avanti audio vivace cables
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September 21, 2014, 09:35 AM #15
Re: Any DS Owners?
Yeah...as a 'phile, that tom-catted around gear-wise; it feels like I've found "the one", and am happy to marry ARC.
Thanks Mike. At this point, I might just wait until I stumble across a (black) 25 mkI; and start rolling. As I said before...I keep reading positive things about GLs in ARC, and it appears Siemens is a no-brainer.I wish I knew more about buying used, so I could get some CCa at a decent price. Maybe KT will do me a solidCD
DAC/Pre-amp - PSAudio DsJ > Power-amp - > Speakers - PMC TwentyFive 23s
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January 31, 2020, 01:53 PM #16
Re: Any DS Owners?
anyone used the DSpre ? doesn`t seem to get much attention but looks very attractive s/h
1]bel canto EIX/ F5 monoblocks . BC cd2, tannoy eaton legacy 2]bel canto pre 5 ,arcam a85 , black ice modded dac
modded dac , marantz sa8005, Verity audio Rienzi
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AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
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